Page 157 of Heimlock

Every single day of my life, brother.

Thank you.

We let the conversation end at that. He doesn’t wish me luck; I’d like to think it’s because he’s not worried. When we practiced as teenagers, I almost always won, even though he’s bigger. In the last week, we’ve practiced a few times — and definitely didn’t inform our partners.

Those two women scare me and rightfully so.

Finally, we’re there. A massive crowd is already gathered. It’s not just our Weyr — it looks like other Weyrs are here as well. A large ring of black ribbon is marked off. The ceremonial launch pad. It’s about one hundred feet in diameter. The crowd gathers around it; even from this distance, I can hear the din of chatter.

Land in the circle, Fynn directs.

I look at him. You sure?

Absolutely.

I do as he commands, landing all four feet in the cool snow. It sizzles under my heat. The crowd roars with excitement as Fynn lands next to me. Father is nowhere to be seen.

A magenta Dragon lands next to us — Aunt Teale.

She eyes us with purple eyes, her magenta spikes gleaming in the sunshine. Trinte. Fynn.

Aunt Teale, we said in unison, tone respectful.

Your family has a seating area set aside to the left.

I look around. Is my father here yet?

No, he is not. I hear he is bringing his new wife.

My brother and I ruffle our wings at this new bit of news. Fynn growls. New wife?

Yes, he was wed a week after your challenge. I do believe that’s why he’s been trying to contact you.

I flick my tail angrily, exploding a mound of snow. As an invitation to the event?

Most likely.

All of this over a wedding invitation, Fynn mutters.

She looks at me. Trinte, may we speak in private? Fynn can get your family situated. You’ll return to them shortly.

Since there isn’t a choice, I press my snout against Kyrielle’s chest. My aunt needs to speak with me. Would you mind joining the others at the viewing platform?

She nods. After kissing my snout, she flies over to Fynn, landing next to Orliana. I exchange a look with my aunt. Without warning, she shoots up into the sky, surprisingly fast for her age. And since my father is her twin brother, that actually doesn’t bode well.

I take off after her; we don’t stop until we’re at least a thousand feet in the air.

Trinte, I need you to tell me what my brother did. I need to understand. Her tone’s pained, and it dawns on me she’s losing either a brother or a nephew. This day must be very difficult for her, too.

She deserves to know.

Since I was born, he’s blamed me for the death of his wife; of Fynn’s mother. I wasn’t allowed to talk about her. He claimed I had no right and made my life miserable for what he considered murder.

Aunt Teale flicks her tail at this information. We bank to the left, making lazy circles above the crowd below.

When I was ten, he began to rape me as a punishment for murdering her. Told me I was old enough to be the replacement for his wife.

Aunt Teale releases a whimper.